Facts About Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis is so common that studies show half of the population in America over the age of 30 has it. This condition is known in dental circles as the most advanced form of the disease you can get. The reason for this staggering statistic is not hard to grasp. People don’t like to take care of their teeth. In the United States, people are so rushed go to work or school with packed schedules, they neglect one of the most important things in life – their health.

The state of your mouth, gums, and teeth have an effect on your overall health. Tooth infections can lead to infections in your sinuses, head, or other parts of your body. In addition, the pain that comes from a severe toothache can be debilitating until you have the offending tooth removed. The entire situation can be avoided simply by taking better care of your teeth.

This disease affects the soft and hard tissues in the mouth that support the teeth. They become infected and inflamed. At the earliest stage, the gums are swollen and red because of the infection. This is the body’s response to unwanted bacteria. The gums eventually begin to pull away from the tooth, exposing the sensitive roots and decaying the bones. After a time, the teeth will fall out.

The disease tends to progress very slowly. There are several factors that influence its progression, such as a lack of brushing, flossing, or caring for your teeth. Smoking, excessive drinking, eating lots of sweets, health history, medications, drugs, and family history all have an effect, as well. If you think you are experiencing the pain and discomfort caused by periodontal disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.